LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Casey Wasserman, an entertainment executive and chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, is selling his talent agency amid backlash over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In a memo obtained by Eyewitness News, Wasserman told his staff Friday he believes he has “become a distraction” and has “begun the process of selling the company.”
“Our 4,000 employees are the absolute best in the business. I see you put it all on the line for your clients every day,” Wasserman said in the memo to staff. “Our clients expect – and deserve – world-class representation. And that’s exactly what they get because of all of you.
“At this moment, I believe that I have become a distraction to those efforts. That is why I have begun the process of selling the company, an effort that is already underway.”
Wasserman has been facing growing scrutiny after documents released by the Justice Department revealed that in 2003, he exchanged flirtatious emails with Maxwell, who, years later, would be accused of helping Epstein recruit and sexually abuse his victims.
Wasserman responded quickly when the files were released, saying he regretted that correspondence, but said it occurred “long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
“Hopefully by now you know the facts about my limited interactions with those two individuals,” Wasserman said in Friday’s memo. “It was years before their criminal conduct came to light, and, in its entirety, consisted of one humanitarian trip to Africa and a handful of emails that I deeply regret sending. And I’m heartbroken that my brief contact with them 23 years ago has caused you, this company, and its clients so much hardship over the past days and weeks.”
After Wasserman’s emails with Maxwell surfaced, Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan was among the artists to leave his agency.
Wasserman also serves as chairman of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee. Earlier this week, the LA28 board decided Wasserman should remain in his role after it conducted a review of his past interactions with Epstein and Maxwell.
“We found Mr. Wasserman’s relationship with Epstein and Maxwell did not go beyond what has already been publicly documented,” the board’s executive committee said in a statement.
“The Executive Committee of the Board has determined that based on these facts, as well as the strong leadership he has exhibited over the past ten years, Mr. Wasserman should continue to lead LA28 and deliver a safe and successful Games.”
In his memo, Wasserman said he will focus on “delivering Los Angeles an Olympic Games in 2028 that is worthy of this outstanding city.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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